BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Society of Authors - ECPv6.18.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Society of Authors X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://societyofauthors.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Society of Authors REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20280326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20281029T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Paris BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Amsterdam BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T140000 DTSTAMP:20261103T094335Z CREATED:20261020T131056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T094335Z UID:10002336-1795521600-1795528800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:South Buckinghamshire Group: Amazon Advertising DESCRIPTION:Join the South Buckinghamshire Group on Tuesday 24 November from 12:00 for our next in person meeting. \nIn this meeting\, we will discuss the pros and cons of using Amazon Advertising to promote our books. This will be delivered by one of our members and will question and cover why do it? and how to do it. \nWe will meet at Beech House\, 17 Penn Rd\, Beaconsfield HP9 2PN. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t attended any meetings before – all members welcome!  \nTo join the group\, please contact member-volunteer group organiser Judy Bartkowiak. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/south-buckinghamshire-group-amazon-advertising-241126/ LOCATION:Beech House\, Penn Road 17\, Beaconsfield\, Buckinghamshire\, HP9 2PN\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/South-Buckinghamshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.6129563;-0.6477897 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Beech House Penn Road 17 Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2PN United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Penn Road 17:geo:-0.6477897,51.6129563 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTSTAMP:20261028T132136Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261028T132136Z UID:10002217-1795600800-1795604400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Working Class Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Working Class Writers Network on Wednesday 25 November from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on the theme: ‘What does being a working-class writer/illustrator/translator mean to you?’\n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members and discuss further in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! Please send any future theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org.  \nWorking Class Writers Network\nThe Working Class Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for working class authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please fill in the joining form on the group webpage: https://societyofauthors.org/groups/working-class-writers/ \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/working-class-writers-network-online-meet-up-251126/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Working-Class-Writers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T130000 DTSTAMP:20261005T085524Z CREATED:20260119T132045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T085524Z UID:10001922-1795604400-1795611600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Salisbury and Wiltshire Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Salisbury and Wiltshire Group for an in person meet-up on Wednesday 25 November from 11:00. \nWe will meet at Fig and Fox\, 46 High Street\, Salisbury\, SP1 2NT \nThis is a social meeting where we will catch up over a drink and have a chat about all things writerly. \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP so we know how many people to expect. This venue does have stairs and might be tricky for those with accessibility issues; if this will affect you please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/salisbury-and-wiltshire-group-meet-up-251126/ LOCATION:Fig and Fox\, 46 High Street\, Salisbury\, SP1 2NT CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Salisbury-Wiltshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.067585;-1.7977339 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Fig and Fox 46 High Street Salisbury SP1 2NT;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=46 High Street:geo:-1.7977339,51.067585 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T130000 DTSTAMP:20261016T111944Z CREATED:20261016T111944Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261016T111944Z UID:10002330-1795604400-1795611600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells autumn catch up DESCRIPTION:Join the Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells group for an in person meet-up on Thursday 29 October from 17:30. \nPlease join us for an autumn catchup in Sevenoaks. Meet fellow writers in your area at this informal and supportive session. \nWe will meet at The White Hart\, Tonbridge Road\, Sevenoaks\, TN13 1SG \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP so we know how many people to expect. This venue does have stairs and might be tricky for those with accessibility issues; if this will affect you please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/sevenoaks-and-tunbridge-wells-autumn-catch-up-291026/ LOCATION:The White Hart\, Tonbridge Road\, Sevenoaks\, TN3 1SG\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Sevenoaks-and-Tunbridge-Wells.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.2564024;0.412347 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The White Hart Tonbridge Road Sevenoaks TN3 1SG United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Tonbridge Road:geo:0.412347,51.2564024 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20261125T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20261125T193000 DTSTAMP:20261109T130211Z CREATED:20261109T125324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261109T130211Z UID:10002361-1795631400-1795635000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:France Group catch up DESCRIPTION:Join the France Group on Wednesday 25 November from 18:30 (CET) for a chat and catch-up. \nThis meeting will be a general chat and catch up about where everyone is with their writing at the moment. We will also take a minute to remember a member who has very sadly recently passed. \n \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello!  \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/france-group-catch-up-251126/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/France.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/france-group-catch-up-251126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261126T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261126T150000 DTSTAMP:20260930T120043Z CREATED:20240804T201437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T120043Z UID:10001834-1795701600-1795705200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Group Chat - Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next online meet-up on Thursday 26 November from 2pm. \nNovember is one of our general chat months for members to talk in a relaxed environment\, share their experiences and ask for help and advice. \nThese meetings are not recorded to allow for privacy and open discussion. If you have any questions you want support with\, please bring them along to the meeting. \nAbout the Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network  \nThe Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses network is a member-led peer support network aims to break feelings of isolation by connecting authors facing common experiences\, in an online community that offers continuing professional and personal support. \nWe run monthly get-togethers using Zoom\, where you can chat informally online with others. Depending on your computer or device\, you can take part either using audio or video. Please let us know if you have any specific needs that will help you take part. \nOur primary aim is to offer a friendly and supportive space where you can feel safe to ask questions\, share experiences\, offer advice\, and make new connections. For more information\, visit our Network page here. \nOur online meet-ups are free to attend for ADCI Network members only. To join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form. We’ll send you an email with a link to join us on Zoom. \nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk mail folder!  \nIf you have any access questions please contact us at disabledauthors@gmail.com URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-authors-with-disabilities-and-chronic-illnesses-network-meeting-261126/ CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,ADCI,Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ADCI-6.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Elsa Woodmeade":MAILTO:ewoodmeade@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-authors-with-disabilities-and-chronic-illnesses-network-meeting-261126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T120000 DTSTAMP:20261109T131251Z CREATED:20260122T131244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261109T131251Z UID:10001945-1795773600-1795780800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Warwickshire Group: Friday Forum DESCRIPTION:Join the Warwickshire Group on Friday 27 November from 10am for a coffee and a brainstorm session with fellow local authors.  \nWe’ll meet at Cacao Coffee & Chocolate Co\, 52 Warwick Street\, Leamington Spa\, CV32 5JS. Several tables will be reserved for us at the back of the coffee shop which is accessible for wheelchairs. On-street parking or Covent Garden multi-storey car park is close by and there are plenty of bus stops too. \nAll members welcome from the surrounding area! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/warwickshire-group-friday-forum-271126/ LOCATION:Cocao Coffee & Chocolate Co\, 52 Warwick Street\, Leamington Spa\, CV32 5JS CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Warwickshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ignaty Dyakov":MAILTO:hello@lifesensei.uk GEO:52.2918275;-1.5365738 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Cocao Coffee & Chocolate Co 52 Warwick Street Leamington Spa CV32 5JS;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=52 Warwick Street:geo:-1.5365738,52.2918275 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T140000 DTSTAMP:20261014T111153Z CREATED:20261014T111153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T111153Z UID:10002324-1795784400-1795788000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:West Midlands Group online social DESCRIPTION:Join the West Midlands Group on Friday 27 November from 13:00 for an online social. \n\nMeet fellow authors in your area\, share your latest projects and what you’re currently working on. Don’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-online-social-271126/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/West-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-online-social-271126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261128T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261128T160000 DTSTAMP:20260903T143544Z CREATED:20260903T143544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T143544Z UID:10002269-1795874400-1795881600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Belfast & Beyond meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join us at our next coffee catch up on Saturday 28 November from 2pm as we continue to develop our vibrant SoA network across Belfast & Beyond! \nWe aim to bring together writers\, illustrators and literary translators to find inspiration\, support and community. These meet-ups are a friendly\, informal opportunity to connect and chat with local SoA members. Who are they? What are they up to? \nSoA members are encouraged to come along and expand their community in a supportive environment. At these meet-ups members can hear about the work of others\, share their own thoughts or simply chat about the weather. On the day just look out for your local SoA host Frances McVeigh and other members who will be stopping by for a chat. All welcome! \nOur next coffee catch up will take place at The Seamus Heaney Centre\, 38-40 University Road\, Belfast\, BT7 1NJ. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \nWith your help we would like to roll out local coffee catch ups on a more regular basis across Northern Ireland for 2026.  Are you based in Antrim or Down and would you like to host one in your local area? Then reach out to Elsa Woodmeade at localgroups@societyofauthors.org for more information. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/belfast-beyond-meet-up-281126/ LOCATION:The Seamus Heaney Centre\, 38-40 University Road\, Belfast\, BT7 1NJ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up,Society of Authors in Northern Ireland ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Belfast-Beyond.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Frances McVeigh":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:54.5864948;-5.9358973 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Seamus Heaney Centre 38-40 University Road Belfast BT7 1NJ;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=38-40 University Road:geo:-5.9358973,54.5864948 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T170000 DTSTAMP:20261105T160154Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T160154Z UID:10002359-1796054400-1796058000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Culture strategy in Wales: your views matter DESCRIPTION:The Welsh Government has issued a call for evidence to develop a 10 year Culture and Sport Strategy for Wales. It is crucial that the voices of our authors are heard and listened to. \nThe Society of Authors with SoA Cymru will be developing a response to the consultation. As part of this process\, we want to hear from our members so we can provide evidence on the current state of culture in Wales\, help to shape the strategy and for Wales to become a positive environment for authors. \nPlease come along to this session and share your experiences\, views and future hopes. \nThe session will be moderated by Emma Boniwell\, Head of Membership and Author Communities and the policy discussion will be led by Pauline Vickers\, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Devolved Nations. \n  \nFurther information: \nIf you are unable to attend this session there is an opportunity to contribute to the SoA consultation by using this link Welsh Government call for evidence ‘A vision for Culture and Sport in Wales 2026’ – Fill in form  deadline 2 December 2026. \nHere is a link to the Welsh Government call for evidence A vision for culture and sport in Wales: call for evidence | GOV.WALES. This closes on 18 December. \nThis event is for SoA Members only. Not a member? sign up here \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from Pauline Vickers – Policy and Public Affairs Manager Devolved Nations\, SoA (2 mins)\nDiscussion lead by Pauline Vickers\, SoA (55 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (3 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Emma Boniwell – Head of Membership and Author Communities\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nPauline Vickers\nPauline joined the organisation in June 2026. Pauline has a breadth of experience as a regional political organiser\, A level Lecturer in History and Politics and from Local Government\, managing teams in economic development in Wales and the library service in Scotland. She has also led charitable organisations focusing on community development\, training for volunteers\, funding\, governance and capacity building. \nPauline is Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Devolved Nations and advocates for members in Wales\, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This includes ensuring members’ interests are represented within Government\, local government and across the industry. \n  \nEmma Boniwell\nEmma rejoined the Society of Authors in 2024 as Head of Membership and Author Communities. She leads the Member Services team and works on the strategic development of membership recruitment\, volunteer management\, development of all author communities and membership benefits. \nShe is the coordinator of the Society of Authors Cymru \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/culture-strategy-in-wales-your-views-matter/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Culture-strategy-in-Wales_your-views-matter.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T191500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T211500 DTSTAMP:20261021T125901Z CREATED:20261021T125610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T125901Z UID:10002339-1796066100-1796073300@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:East Midlands Group Leicester meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the East Midlands Group in-person on Monday 30 November from 19:15 for an informal chat at our next social. \nThis will be an informal event at which people can share their ideas and work and socialise with each other.\n\nThe meeting is free of charge and is open to all members.\n\n\n\nWe will meet in the cafe/bar area of the Phoenix Art Centre\, 4 Midland St\, Leicester LE1 1TG. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/east-midlands-group-leicester-meet-up-301126/ LOCATION:Phoenix Arts Centre\, 4 Midland Street\, Leicester\, Leicester\, LE1 1TG\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/East-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.6359559;-1.1243566 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Phoenix Arts Centre 4 Midland Street Leicester Leicester LE1 1TG United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4 Midland Street:geo:-1.1243566,52.6359559 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090352Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090352Z UID:10001962-1796119200-1796124600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Pitching workshop DESCRIPTION:Join Olivia Chapman as she leads this 90-minute online workshop teaching you how to talk about your work\, and how to pitch it to agents\, editors\, and producers. \nIn order to participate fully\, you will need to have a complete story / poetry collection (in whatever form) which you can discuss from start to finish. You will learn skills that can be transferred to any other story\, but to get the most out of the workshop\, it will be helpful to focus on a single story you can finesse.Although you do not need to be published to attend\, you do need to have a complete manuscript to be able to base your pitch on. \nThis workshop is intended for prose writers (both fiction and non-fiction) and scriptwriters. The content can be adapted for poetry but works best if your poetry collection is themed or can be pulled together to be discussed in broader terms than individual poems. \nPlaces are limited for this event\, so please do let us know if you are no longer able to join us after you’ve registered. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members | £35 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nWorkshop lead by Olivia Chapman (60 mins)\n\nPlease note that this will include a series of breakout rooms with other attendees where you will have the opportunity to practice your learnt pitching skills. \n\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nHow to put across the best of your story in the most engaging way possible\, whilst allowing your passion for your work to come across.\nHow to structure your pitch and talk confidently and clearly about the plot and genre.\nThere will be time to practise your pitch with other writers during the session if you wish.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Pitching workshop’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nLiv Chapman\nLiv Chapman is programmer and festival manager who’s worked with writers for over 20 years. She currently works with Hexham Book Festival\, Word Up North in Bradford and Cheltenham Festivals\, as well as the Society of Authors. \nWebsite: https://livchapman.co.uk/ \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-pitching-workshop/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Pitching-workshop-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T120000 DTSTAMP:20260717T134051Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T134051Z UID:10001967-1796207400-1796212800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Self-Publishers Network: Where and how to advertise your self-published book DESCRIPTION:Join the Self-Publishers Network on Wednesday 2 December from 10.30am for a member-led discussion on where and how to advertise our work. We will consider questions such as: How do we advertise our work? Where is it effective (or not effective) to advertise self-published work?  \nWe will go into small groups using breakout rooms on Zoom for you to meet fellow members\, chat and share advice. We’ll run two rounds of rooms for around 20 minutes each so you can meet a variety of authors\, then at the end we will feed back to the main group. \nMeeting structure \n\n10 minutes – Welcome and housekeeping\, answering any initial questions\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n10 minutes – Catch up and remix the rooms\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n30 minutes – Feed back to the main group\, closing discussion\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nAbout the Self-Publishers Network\nThe Self-Publishers Network is a member-led network connecting self-published authors to share experiences\, recommendations and advice. You can find out more about the network\, our upcoming meeting and SoA resources for self-publishers here. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/self-publishers-network-where-and-how-to-advertise-your-self-published-book-021226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Self-Publishers Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Self-Publishers-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T183000 DTSTAMP:20261021T151143Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T151143Z UID:10002341-1796230800-1796236200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Educational Writers Group end of year review and online social DESCRIPTION:Join the Educational Writers Group for one last online social to see out the year! Find out what the Educational Writers Group has been doing in 2026 and our plans for 2027.  \nThis event is for SoA Members. Not a member? sign up here \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from EWG Committee Chair\, Rhona Snelling (5 mins)\nEducational Writers Group End of Year Review (20 mins)\nOnline social hosted by the Educational Writers Group Committee with breakout rooms of your choice for 15 minutes each (45 – 60 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Tilly Zeeman\, Contracts Advisor and EWG Co-ordinator\n\n  \nAbout the Educational Writers Group (EWG)\nThe SoA Educational Writers Group (EWG) was established in 1964 to: \n\nProtect the interests of educational authors in professional matters\, especially contracts\, rates of pay\, digitisation and copyright\n\n\nKeep its members informed about developments in education\, curriculum\, ELT\, digital media and government policy\n\n\nLobby for adequate funding for books in schools\, colleges and libraries\, and for well-stocked public libraries and professionally-staffed libraries in all educational institutions\n\n\nEncourage publishers in all media to respect the highest professional standards in educational writing\n\n\nEnable educational writers to network and socialise in congenial surroundings.\n\nMembers of the SoA who write materials for any educational context can choose to join the EWG and receive digital newsletters to keep them abreast of EWG events within the SoA and the wider educational landscape\, which the SoA campaigns to ensure is equitable for members. \n  \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. This event is for SoA Members only. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/educational-writers-group-end-of-year-review-and-online-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Educational Writers Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EWG-end-of-year-review-and-online-social.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T193000 DTSTAMP:20261102T170450Z CREATED:20261102T095311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261102T170450Z UID:10002351-1796236200-1796239800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Novelists in London online gathering DESCRIPTION:Join Novelists in London on Wednesday 2 December at 18:30 for an informal chat\, networking and information sharing session. \nRegister here to join member-volunteer Simon Cann’s mailing list and receive Zoom joining details via email. \nNovelists in London meetings are once a month\, either in person or online. All members are welcome! \nhttps://novelistsinlondon.com/join/ URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/novelists-in-london-online-gathering-021226/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Novelists-in-London.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Simon Cann":MAILTO:simon@novelistsinlondon.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T123000 DTSTAMP:20260717T135648Z CREATED:20251121T124050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T135648Z UID:10001799-1796292000-1796301000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Oxfordshire Group: Shut Up and Write! DESCRIPTION:Join the Oxfordshire Group on Thursday 3 December from 10am for an online writing session alongside other authors in your area. \nWriting can be lonely and sometimes it’s difficult to self-motivate\, so this event is an opportunity to meet other writers\, share updates on your work\, and progress your own writing projects in company. It’s a collegiate and focused space to get work done at the same time as providing a low-stakes environment in which to meet other writers. We look forward to seeing you there! \nSchedule: \n10am: welcomes and goal-setting \n10.15am: silent writing (cameras off if preferred) \n11am: check-in and a cup of tea \n11.15am: second writing session \n12pm: check in and chat \n12.30pm: end \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form to receive the Zoom joining details online. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/oxfordshire-group-shut-up-and-write-031226/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Oxfordshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Alice Little":MAILTO:fiction@alicelittle.co.uk LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/oxfordshire-group-shut-up-and-write-031226/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T200000 DTSTAMP:20261030T165827Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261030T165827Z UID:10001775-1796320800-1796328000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Winter SoA Lates - hosted by Dean Atta DESCRIPTION:Join us for our Winter SoA Lates for the chance to meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members\, and hear from poet and SoA Member\, Dean Atta. \nWe will be serving pizza and prosecco during this event (soft drinks will be available). \nPlaces are limited and subject to availability. Please note that there will be limited seating at this event. \n  \nIn Person: SoA Lates events – £9.50 for SoA Members \nNot a member? Sign up here.  \n  \nProgramme\n\n6pm – Event starts\n\n\n6.30pm – Welcome and introductions from SoA’s CEO\, Anna Ganley\n\n\n6.35pm – Grants & Prizes Administrator and Poetry and Spoken Word Group staff co-coordinator\, Rose Hensher hosts a short in conversation with fiction and non-fiction writer\, poet and screenwriter\, Dean Atta (20 mins). Dean will share tips about his journey so far.\n\n\n7pm – Mingling and networking\n\n\n8pm – Close\n\n  \nThe Line up\nDean Atta\nDean Atta is a BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and Stonewall Book Award-winning author from London. Best known for his young adult novel in verse\, The Black Flamingo\, and the stop-motion animation\, Two Black Boys in Paradise\, his heartfelt storytelling draws on his Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage as well as his queer identity. \nDean is a patron of LGBT+ History Month and Chair of the Poetry and Spoken Word Group of the Society of Authors.Dean has published three young adult novels in verse\, two poetry collections\, two picture books\, and a memoir. His debut adult novel\, Big Man\, will be published by Cipher Press in September 2026. \n \nAccessibility\nOur Events space is located on the ground floor of our office. We have a wheelchair ramp at the side entrance of the building. We also have an accessible toilet by the side entrance. \nIf you have any access requirements\, please email events@societyofauthors.org \n  \nFeeling unwell?\nWe recommend the following: \n\nStaying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms\nWashing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face\nApplying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)\nWe advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so\n\n  \nTickets \n£9.50 for SoA Members \n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the booking from below. Places are limited. \nPlease read our event booking Terms and Conditions: https://societyofauthors.org/legal-privacy/event-terms/ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/winter-soa-lates-hosted-by-dean-atta/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Winter-SoA-Lates-5.jpg GEO:51.5206792;-0.1162502 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Society of Authors 24 Bedford Row London WC1R 4EH London WC1R 4EH GB;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH:geo:-0.1162502,51.5206792 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261205T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261205T150000 DTSTAMP:20261103T120124Z CREATED:20260720T111119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T120124Z UID:10002213-1796475600-1796482800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:East Midlands Group Nottingham hybrid meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the East Midlands Group in-person and online on Saturday 5 December from 1pm for an informal chat at our next social. This is a chance to meet fellow authors in your area\, share your latest projects\, and discuss what you’re currently working on. \n\n\nWe will meet in person at the Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street\, Nottingham NG1 3AL. We will also meet online\, on Zoom. Please RSVP for the link. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/east-midlands-group-nottingham-hybrid-meet-up-051226/ LOCATION:The Library\, The Broadway\, The Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 3AL CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/East-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.9543037;-1.1437646 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Library The Broadway The Library The Broadway 14-18 Broad Street Nottingham NG1 3AL;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=The Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street:geo:-1.1437646,52.9543037 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261207T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261207T180000 DTSTAMP:20261027T161610Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T161610Z UID:10002197-1796662800-1796666400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Writers of Colour Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Writers of Colour Network on Monday 7 December from 5pm for a member-led networking session\, hosted by members Lisa Kiew\, Jenny Mitchell and Durre Shahwar and moderated by Sophia Jackson\, Head of Events and Engagement\, and Rose Hensher\, Grants and Prizes Administrator. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on a theme. Please send any theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWriters of Colour Network\nThe Writers of Colour Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for authors\, illustrators and translators of colour to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please fill in the form on the group’s webpage: https://societyofauthors.org/groups/writers-of-colour-network/ \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/writers-of-colour-network-online-meet-up-071226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writers-of-Colour.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T120000 DTSTAMP:20260717T140741Z CREATED:20260122T131559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T140741Z UID:10001946-1796810400-1796817600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Warwickshire Group: Creative Coffee Morning DESCRIPTION:Join the Warwickshire Group on Wednesday 9 December from 10am for an informal session to come together and work on our various projects – bring your laptop or notebook! We’ll spend 5-10 minutes at the start of the meeting to set our individual goals\, then everyone will concentrate on their work before reconvening at 11.50 to share what we have achieved.  \nWe will meet at Café Desa\, 3 Regent Grove\, Leamington Spa\, CV32 4NY. Free to attend\, but everyone is asked to buy a drink or two (and a snack if you fancy) from the cafe as they kindly allow us to use their space for free. On-street parking in Regent Grove or Hamilton Terrace\, bike racks are 50 yards away by the town hall or a bus stop is just round the corner on The Parade. \nAll members welcome from the surrounding area! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form so we have an idea of how many people are planning to attend. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/warwickshire-group-creative-coffee-morning-091226/ LOCATION:Café Desa\, Regent Grove 3\, Royal Leamington Spa\, Warwickshire\, CV32 5AA\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Warwickshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ignaty Dyakov":MAILTO:hello@lifesensei.uk GEO:52.2891944;-1.5345424 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Café Desa Regent Grove 3 Royal Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AA United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Regent Grove 3:geo:-1.5345424,52.2891944 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T191500 DTSTAMP:20261103T092915Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T092915Z UID:10002229-1796839200-1796843700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:End of year poetry celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special night of poetry and celebration\, hosted by Jasmine Gardosi. Watch live poetry readings from this year’s SoA Awards poets – including the judges and winners of the Cholmondeley Awards and Eric Gregory Awards. \n\nCatch up with the 2026 SoA Awards\n\nThis event is in conjunction with our Poetry and Spoken Word Group and is part of our 2026 SoA Awards wraparound events. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Natalie Thorpe – Co-coordinator of the Poetry and Spoken Word Group\, SoA (2 mins)\nWelcome from Jasmine Gardosi (3 mins) \nAnnual Poetry Collaboration hosted by Jasmine Gardosi (60 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (10 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Natalie Thorpe – Grants and Prizes Design Manager\, SoA \n\n  \nThe Line-up \nJasmine Gardosi – Host\nJasmine Gardosi is the former Birmingham Poet Laureate and an Honorary Doctor of Letters. They are a multiple slam champion\, beatboxer\, winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer 2023. Their work exploring beatbox poetry\, neurodivergence\, LGBTQ identity and mental health has appeared on Button Poetry\, at the Tate Modern\, Glastonbury Festival\, Symphony Hall\, BBC and Sky Arts. \nThey have been invited to perform and run workshops around the world\, and their poem about the pandemic\, filmed on a rollercoaster\, was broadcast across America on PBS. Their poetry/beatbox/Celtic Dubstep show about gender identity\, Dancing To Music You Hate\, won the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show and toured to the Philippines with the British Council. \nInstagram: @jasminegardosi | Website: www.jasminegardosi.com \n  \nJack Cooper\nJack is a poet and science communicator. His poems have been discussed on BBC Radio 4\, translated into Czech and Romanian\, and used in a Poetry Society educational resource. Jack has received the Society of Authors’ Eric Gregory Award twice\, most recently in 2026 for his unpublished collection 16 Psyche. \n  \nNick Makoha\nNick Makoha\, PhD\, is a Ugandan poet\, playwright\, and the founder of Obsidian Foundation and winner of the 2026 Cholmondeley Award. His collections include The New Carthaginians (Penguin Books UK\, 2025)\, which was shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize and longlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize\, and his debut collection\, Kingdom of Gravity (Peepal Tree Press\, 2017)\, which was shortlisted for the 2017 Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection and named one of the Guardian’s best books of the year. Dr. Makoha won the Ivan Juritz Prize and the Poetry London Prize in 2021. His poems have appeared in The Cambridge Review\, The New York Times\, Poetry Review\, Poetry Wales\, The Rialto\, Poetry London\, TriQuarterly\, Five Dials\, Boston Review\, Callaloo\, Birmingham Lit Journal\, and Wasafiri. Dr. Makoha is based in London. \n  \nKim Moore\nKim Moore’s third poetry collection The House of Broken Things (Corsair\, 2026) is currently shortlisted for the 2026 TS Eliot Prize.  Her second collection All the Men I Never Married (Seren\, 2021) won the 2022 Forward Prize for Best Collection. She is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. \n  \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/end-of-year-poetry-celebration/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Poetry and Spoken Word Group,SoA Awards wraparound ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PSWG-end-of-year-poetry-celebration_with-poets.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T210000 DTSTAMP:20260717T140119Z CREATED:20260206T113929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T140119Z UID:10001984-1796842800-1796850000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Edinburgh Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Edinburgh group on Wednesday 9 December from 7pm for a writerly catch up. \nMeet fellow authors in your area\, share your latest projects and what you’re currently working on. Don’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello!  \nWe will meet at Argonaut Books\, 15-17 Leith Walk\, Edinburgh\, EH6 8LN. \nAll members welcome. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/edinburgh-group-meet-up-091226/ LOCATION:Argonaut Books\, 15-17 Leith Walk\, Edinburgh\, EH6 8LN CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Edinburgh.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:55.9702964;-3.1716647 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Argonaut Books 15-17 Leith Walk Edinburgh EH6 8LN;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=15-17 Leith Walk:geo:-3.1716647,55.9702964 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T110000 DTSTAMP:20261106T123842Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261106T123842Z UID:10002042-1796896800-1796900400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:LGBTQ+ Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the LGBTQ+ Writers Network on Thursday 10 December from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n5-10 minutes – Welcome to the session and lightning introduction round.\n20 minutes – Whole group discussion on the theme\, ‘Representing yourself and staying safe online’\n20 minutes – Breakout rooms to chat with members in smaller groups about your experiences.\n5-10 minutes – ‘Writers Wins’\, sharing achievements from our writing lives.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWe look forward to seeing you there! Please send any future theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org.  \nLGBTQ+ Writers Network\nThe LGBTQ+ Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for LGBTQ+ authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings.  To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please fill in the joining form on the group webpage: societyofauthors.org/groups/lgbtq-network/ \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/lgbtq-network-online-meet-up-101226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LGBTQ-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T151500 DTSTAMP:20261019T152729Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T152729Z UID:10002240-1796913000-1796915700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How I write - in conversation with Patrice Lawrence DESCRIPTION:Grab a cuppa and get to know award-winning writer and journalist\, and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate\, Patrice Lawrence. \nPatrice will be in conversation with Executive Director of Words of Colour\, writer and literary activist\, Joy Francis\, to discuss her work and career and to offer a glimpse into her creative routines. \nOnline in conversation events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Joy Francis (3 mins)\nIntroductions to Patrice Lawrence\, and a glimpse into her creative routines (20-25 mins)\nPatrice will do a short reading from her book Rose\, Interrupted (2-3 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nPatrice Lawrence\nPatrice Lawrence is an award-winning writer for readers of all ages. She is the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate championing the benefits of story-sharing for vulnerable children. \nInstagram: @lawrencepatrice \n  \nJoy Francis\nJoy Francis is executive director of Words of Colour. A writer\, literary activist\, curator and creative entrepreneur\, Joy has co-developed a raft of initiatives centring inclusion in literature\, heritage and publishing\, including the inaugural Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships and the Poets of Colour Incubator with Manchester Poetry Library. She is a Royal Society of Literature Honorary Fellow 2022. \nInstagram: @wordsofcolour | @msjoyfrancis \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘Patrice Lawrence – Question’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/how-i-write-in-conversation-with-patrice-lawrence/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-I-write_in-conversation-with-Patrice-Lawrence-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261211T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261211T160000 DTSTAMP:20261103T123618Z CREATED:20261015T095300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T123618Z UID:10002326-1796997600-1797004800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:West Midlands Group: Taking Care of Yourself DESCRIPTION:Join the West Midlands Group on Friday 11 December from 14:00 for an in-person social focusing on taking care of yourself during the festive period. \nThis will primarily be a social meeting to exchange tips for self-care over a very busy and sometimes overwhelming time. \n\nWe will meet at The Exchange\, 3 Centenary Square\, Birmingham\, B1 2DR. \n\nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-taking-care-of-yourself-111226/ LOCATION:The Exchange\, 3 Centenary Square\, Birmingham\, B1 2DR CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/West-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.4785257;-1.9077552 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Exchange 3 Centenary Square Birmingham B1 2DR;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3 Centenary Square:geo:-1.9077552,52.4785257 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261212T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261212T170000 DTSTAMP:20261030T115531Z CREATED:20261030T115442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261030T115531Z UID:10002350-1797087600-1797094800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Netherlands Group: Christmas social gathering DESCRIPTION:Join our Netherlands Group for our next in-person meet-up on Saturday 12 December from 15:00 (CEST). \nWe will be venturing out of Amsterdam to Leiden for a festive social. \nWe’ll meet at De Vergulde Kruik\, Haarlemmerstraat 22\, 2312 GA Leiden. \nPartners\, friends and associates welcome to join. \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form so we have an idea of how many people are planning to attend. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/netherlands-group-christmas-social-gathering-121226/ LOCATION:De Vergulde Kruik\, Haarlemmerstraat 22\, Leiden\, 2312 GA CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Netherlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.1615464;4.4864353 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=De Vergulde Kruik Haarlemmerstraat 22 Leiden 2312 GA;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Haarlemmerstraat 22:geo:4.4864353,52.1615464 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261216T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261216T120000 DTSTAMP:20261015T102110Z CREATED:20261015T101217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T102110Z UID:10002327-1797415200-1797422400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Cambridge Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Cambridge Group on Wednesday 16 December from 10:00 for an informal chat at our next in person meet-up. \nMeet fellow society members in your area\, share your latest projects\, and chat about what you’re currently working on. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nWe’ll meet at Parker’s Tavern at The University Arms Hotel\, Regent Street\, Cambridge CB2 1AD from 10:00 – 12:00. \n\n\nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/cambridge-group-meet-up-161226/ LOCATION:Parker’s Tavern\, The University Arms Hotel\, Cambridge\, CB2 1AD CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cambridge.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.2019338;0.125055 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Parker’s Tavern The University Arms Hotel Cambridge CB2 1AD;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=The University Arms Hotel:geo:0.125055,52.2019338 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261216T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261216T210000 DTSTAMP:20261109T121754Z CREATED:20261109T121754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261109T121754Z UID:10002360-1797447600-1797454800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Tufnell Park Writers: Festive Frivolities DESCRIPTION:Join the Tufnell Park Writers on Wednesday 16 December from 19:00 and don’t miss out on our festive frivolities! \nThis year will be a social but we’ll have some goodies out as usual and the Festive Jumper and Joke competition will remain! \n7pm Party starts with the Mo Foster Festive joke competition \n8pm Interlude for Festive Jumper competition. \nThis is a night that is not to be missed!   \nWe will meet at The Lord Palmerston\, 33 Dartmouth Park Hill\, London NW5 1HU. \nImportant Note: \nThe Lord Palmerston now has a new owner and as a consequence we no longer have our 10% food discount. Please continue to support the pub as much as possible as we still get the room for free! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \nPlease contact member-volunteer group organiser Jon-Jon Jones with any questions about the event. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/tufnell-park-writers-festive-frivolities-161226/ LOCATION:The Lord Palmerston\, 33 Dartmouth Park Hill\, London\, NW5 1HU CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tufnell-Park.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Jon-Jon Jones":MAILTO:jonjonwriting@yahoo.co.uk GEO:51.5594469;-0.1405178 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Lord Palmerston 33 Dartmouth Park Hill London NW5 1HU;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=33 Dartmouth Park Hill:geo:-0.1405178,51.5594469 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261229T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261229T140000 DTSTAMP:20261103T095228Z CREATED:20261103T095228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T095228Z UID:10002355-1798545600-1798552800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:South Buckinghamshire Group: Intention setting for 2027 DESCRIPTION:Join the South Buckinghamshire Group on Tuesday 29 December from 12:00 for our next in person meeting. \nIn this meeting\, we will discuss our intentions for 2027 and set some writerly goals to work towards across the new year. \nWe will meet at Beech House\, 17 Penn Rd\, Beaconsfield HP9 2PN. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t attended any meetings before – all members welcome!  \nTo join the group\, please contact member-volunteer group organiser Judy Bartkowiak. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/south-buckinghamshire-group-intention-setting-for-2027-291226/ LOCATION:Beech House\, Penn Road 17\, Beaconsfield\, Buckinghamshire\, HP9 2PN\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/South-Buckinghamshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.6129563;-0.6477897 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Beech House Penn Road 17 Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2PN United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Penn Road 17:geo:-0.6477897,51.6129563 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270108T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270108T140000 DTSTAMP:20261015T105614Z CREATED:20261015T105614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T105614Z UID:10002328-1799413200-1799416800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:West Midlands Group online social DESCRIPTION:Join the West Midlands Group on Friday 8 January from 13:00 for an online social. \nMeet fellow authors in your area\, share your latest projects and what you’re currently working on. Don’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-online-social-080127/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/West-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-online-social-080127/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR